Two political newcomers seek open seat on Washington County Quorum Court

FAYETTEVILLE -- Two newcomers are seeking the open seat on the Washington County Quorum Court.

Patrick Robert Briney, a Republican, is running against Joseph Kieklak, a Democrat, for District 11, which covers south-central Fayetteville.

Gary McHenry, who represents the district, was appointed to his seat last year and cannot run for election. Early voting started Monday.

"I'm here running for this race to make government more efficient," Briney said. "A vote for me is a vote for a good, safe community."

Briney's top priorities include creating a master plan for countywide budgeting. Briney said he wants to focus on a 10-year plan that has a common goal.

Kieklak said his focus is on improving the county's infrastructure by making sure the Road Department is fully funded. Roads and deficient bridges must be addressed, he said.

"We have a lot of work to do when we make infrastructure a priority," Kieklak said.

A recent survey shows Washington County has 15 structurally deficient bridges.

Briney said affordability is a key issue for him and that includes not raising the millage rate. Justices of the peace should be focused on attracting good businesses to create more jobs. It means more jobs and more taxpayers coming into Washington County, which translates to more revenue for the county. The Quorum Court should not target property owners repeatedly to shoulder more taxes when incomes have not climbed, he said.

Kieklak said the county's millage rate should be studied. The county has infrastructure needs, including roads that need paved, he said.

Briney said the county must look at ways to be more efficient and save money.

For example, the county government should either hire people who know what they are doing at the animal shelter, then let those employees do their jobs, or outsource the service to a nonprofit organization.

"The main thing I'm trying to solve here is the micromanagement of the JPs trying to get into the nitty-gritty of trying to run an animal shelter," Briney said.

Briney also supports finding ways to attract companies involved in renewable energy. Justices of the peace can look to build infrastructure to attract "green" energy companies and possibly give them tax breaks, he said.

"I'd like to see new technology to help the environment," Briney said.

Kieklak said he is against privatization of county services.

"The way I feel about the budget is: Yes, we need to be figuring out how we are going to be staying in the black, and a comprehensive plan is the best way to do it," Kieklak said.

Kieklak said he plans to listen to constituents and supports funding a Washington County 4-H agent via funding the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, a request denied by the Quorum Court this year.

Kieklak said he plans to advocate for social justice issues, including stopping sexual assaults at the University of Arkansas, putting a voting center on campus and supporting community and school gardens for educational and health value.

"I have a hunger to listen to and to make sure that I'm effectively representing the constituents of District 11 and the needs of the county," Kieklak said. "I hope people, when they look at my platform compared to my opponent, they will realize I am thinking outside the box in a district that is outside the box."

Some of that advocacy likely will be in the form of resolutions, he said. He also hopes to work with other county officials, he said.

Briney said he wanted to look at ways to develop the county's economy and plans to research issues.

"As a student, educator, minister, property owner, businessman, and president of several organizations, I know how to work efficiently and effectively," Briney said. "I will bring this skill set into the office of the justice of the peace in Washington County to make our county a great place for everyone to live safely and affordably."

Kieklak said Briney is not prepared to follow state laws, including performing marriages for same-sex partners. Briney said he would not be performing any civil unions as a justice of the peace and that is an option allowed under law. Briney does marry heterosexual couples through his church, which does not perform same-sex weddings, he said.

"I already offer weddings through our church," Briney said. "I have an option not to do civil unions as a JP and that's why I'm opting not to do it."

Kieklak said Briney's stance shows he is intolerant.

"You cannot treat people differently," Kieklak said. "You must follow the law, even when it goes against your religious beliefs."

NW News on 10/27/2016